Hair power... how leading political ladies show they mean business

Hair power... how leading political ladies show they mean business

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'The Michelle': the First Lady got new bangs for Obama's re-inauguration

Rex

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She means business: Charlize Theron at the World Economic Forum in Davos

Reuters

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Icon for working women: Birgitte Nyborg stars in political drama Borgen

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The bob is history: Hillary Clinton now sports a simple, sensible ponytail

Rex

Behind every great woman is a great hairdo. At least, so suggests the world of politics. When the young Margaret Thatcher was advised to adopt a softer image, the first thing to change was her hair. It seems in a profession littered with conventions and expectations, a no-nonsense ’do has become as much a part of the professional image as a well-tailored pinstripe suit and briefcase. Thankfully, things have come a lot further than the Iron Lady’s static bouffant. We take a look at how some of the modern-day power players are leading the charge, head first.

The First Lady fringe

If ever there was a time for a hair reinvention, it’s when the eyes of the world are upon you. Just a few days ahead of Barack Obama’s re-inauguration on Monday, Michelle Obama also made headlines by replacing her glossy side sweep with a new full fringe. But while her bangs may at first appear to be a chic and fashion-forward option for the 49-year-old, the style is deceptively high maintenance. Still, we doubt this will prevent hairdressers across the globe being inundated with requests for “The Michelle”.

The don’t cross me crop

Is this a man’s world? Well, Charlize Theron certainly seems to be taking a leaf out of their book. At the World Economic Forum in Davos yesterday, the Hollywood star — and her new boyish crop — addressed 2,600 politicians, bankers and tycoons. Far from the sweet pixie crops of Anne Hathaway and Emma Watson, Theron’s style — slicked with gel and coiffed at the front — is a more masculine, in-control approach. “This is a very striking, androgynous look,” says Zac Burleigh, creative director at Aveda. “It’s definitely a no-nonsense approach to power-hair but it requires strong facial features.” Theron, of course, has these in abundance, and, in teaming her crop with minimal make-up and simple stud earrings, she means business.

The Borgen bun

Fictional she may be but Birgitte Nyborg has fast become an icon for working women. When the pressure’s on for the star of political drama Borgen — played by Sidse Babett Knudsen — she pulls out her secret weapon: a stylish though authoritative bun. Almost geisha-like, her signature crescent-shaped chignon is feminine, yet robust enough to handle a full 12-hour day as Denmark’s first female prime minister. But while the Borgen bun may look impressive, it’s easy to achieve. “Pull hair into a ponytail before gently backcombing the underside to give it volume,” suggests Paul Percival, co-founder of Percy & Reed. “Then, grab the bottom of the hair and pin it to the base of the band. Finally, fan out hair to a crescent shape and use grips to secure.” Simple but effective.

The Power Pony

With great responsibility comes a great power ponytail — see Hillary Clinton. Having outgrown her bob, the US Secretary of State’s artfully arranged flicks and velour headbands have been replaced by a simple, sensible ponytail. The turning point for her hair evolution, according to stylist Isabelle Goetz, is the increasing demand on her time. Speaking to US News, she said: “With her crazy schedule [the ponytail] is what she wants.” While best when hastily tied in a no-nonsense manner, the key to the power pony lies in its positioning — too high and you’re channelling the high-school netball team, too low and the result can be severe and unflattering. Clinton’s, at a modest mid-crown height, is a lesson in ponytail etiquette.